The Stories of Finding Opportunity, Connection, and a Future in York County
When another health system tried to force her into a treatment plan, Tricia got a second opinion from UPMC Hillman Cancer Center—one of the region’s only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Here, she found access to cutting-edge clinical trials, groundbreaking treatments, and world-renowned cancer experts. Discover the power of hope at UPMCHillman.com/SecondOpinion.
Bloom Business Empowerment Center: Building More Than Businesses
Addressing YoCo’s Big Three Workforce Challenges
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Sterling Dunlap | sdunlap@yceapa.org
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DIRECTOR, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES
QWhat is a bit about your background that brought you to your current role?
I came to York via York College of PA, where I saw instant similarities to the Lehigh Valley, where I was raised. Throughout college, I was active in several community activities through my leadership roles in student government and even interned for Downtown Inc, which first introduced me to economic development.
Q Q Q Q
What is your role with the YCEA?
I oversee implementation of the York County Economic Action Plan, the County’s 10-year economic competitiveness strategy. I track progress, lead select initiatives, and support partners in advancing the plan’s goals through government relations, strategic planning, and collaboration.
What inspires you about the work that the YCEA does?
Honestly, it is the partners at large. Every week we are engaging with large to small businesses, every level of nonprofits, local to federal government partners, and community partners at large who are all working on things that improve the quality of life in our community. We get front row seats to the ideas and efforts that will move our community forward.
What do you love best about the work you do?
Every day is a different day, and I get the chance to engage in diverse work that is making tangible improvements to our community.
What motivates you to do the work you do?
Leaving whatever I’m working on better than I found it. When I’m asked to help with an effort or join a committee, I often think of that line and how we as a community can improve processes and outcomes for our neighbors.
What do you enjoy most about what York County has to offer?
I enjoy the different experiences you can have in York. I can hike/ bike/boat/kayak in some spectacular county or state parks, I can get produce from a local farm, I can visit a phenomenal selection of small businesses for all my needs/wants, I can enjoy the amenities of an urban core or take in rural settings, and I am bound to see someone I know throughout that journey.
What is a recommended/must-do activity for someone visiting the area?
Explore William Kain County Park – there’s something about that park that always leaves me feeling refreshed. Honestly, any of our county parks. Hit the trails.
Also, visit one of our small boroughs – New Freedom, Glen Rock, Red Lion, or Dillsburg, to name a few. These small towns have a resilient feel to them that sparks possibilities. A special call out for Wrightsville - there’s something about watching the river or being in it that can instantly boost your mood.
What is a hidden gem you enjoy that you think most people might not know about?
The views from Reservoir Hill in Spring Garden Township, you may know it, but that view has always put the world in perspective for me.
By Sterling Dunlap | Director, Membership & Business Development
As the 22nd President and CEO of the York Water Company, JT Hand reinforces with his employees, “We aren’t just part of the community, we are the community.”
“We aren’t just part of the community, we are the community.”
Originally from New York, Hand served in the Army for 22 years, including Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he met a fellow Army Engineer, Jeff Hines. After traveling the world through the service, his wife, Kathy, decided to move the family to York. Hand recalled knowing someone who lived in York: Jeff Hines. When Hand scheduled a home inspection, it was Hines who showed up and welcomed him to York.
So “Why York?” for JT Hand? York provided a place to raise a community-centric family, a tremendous quality of life, academic choices for his children, and the opportunity to reinvest back into the community. The community of York embraced them, and over breakfast at the Colonial Diner, Hines asked if Hand was interested in joining him at the York Water Company. “I have the best job of anybody I know,” says Hand.
From atop the treatment facility in Reservoir Park, Hand enthusiastically explained how much water the reservoirs hold and pointed out the water tanks along the horizon. He showcased the crystal chandelier in the lobby and the gazebo outside, which were part of relocating their headquarters in Downtown York in 1929.
Hand is adamant that the company does not waste anything. They reuse, repurpose, and recycle everything to provide water to their customers at just one penny per gallon.
Reservoir Park offers a true sense of community, as well as responsibility, for Hand. The park is almost 100 acres, offers seven miles of trails, and “the best sledding hill in the county.” In 2022, the company planted 600 trees to celebrate the company’s 600th consecutive dividend. Each tree is numbered, with number 21 tagged for Jeff Hines, the company’s 21st President/CEO, whom recently passed away suddenly. Hand waited for Hines to pick his tree so he could pick his tree, number 22, to the right. It is a sign of respect from their time in the military, where you always stand to the right of a higher-ranking official.
Looking out over York from the crest of Reservoir Park, Hand asked, “Where else but York could you find such a place where the sense of community is so profoundly felt in everything you do? Shepherding this legacy is a significant responsibility, but it’s an absolute joy to be a part of.”
Hand considers moving to York the second-best decision he’s ever made (behind marrying his wife). He takes tremendous pride in the achievements of The York Water Company and makes the company invest wisely. Because, at the end of the day, it’s about investing in the community.
“Where
else but York could you find such a place where the sense of community is so profoundly felt in everything you do?”
By Megan Kreiser | Assistant Vice President, Events
“York has history, character, and potential. Being able to contribute to that—to help shape where it’s going - means everything.”
For Harper Kvasnovsky, architecture has always been about more than buildings. It is about place, people, and purpose - and for her, no place embodies all three quite like York.
A lifelong York County resident and architectural designer at Murphy & Dittenhafer (M&D), Kvasnovsky has built her career around shaping the same community that shaped her. While many designers leave their hometowns in search of larger markets or bigger cities, she made a deliberate choice to stay. The reasons are deeply personal, professionally fulfilling, and rooted in what makes York unique.
A graduate of the Dallastown Area School District, Kvasnovsky was drawn early on to both creativity and problem-solving, equally interested in art and mathematics. Architecture emerged as the discipline that combined both, leading her to Penn State University’s five-year Bachelor of Architecture program. Her education included a rigorous thesis year and a study abroad experience in Rome—exposure to global design and historic architecture that broadened her perspective.
Even so, York always remained her anchor.
“York always felt like the right place to come back to,” she says. Family ties played a major role, but so did the region’s balance. “You’re surrounded by nature, but you’re also incredibly connected - a perfect middle ground between major cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore.”
That “middle ground” is central to why York works so well for her. It offers access to urban centers while maintaining a human scale, strong community ties, and an authenticity she values both personally and professionally.
Kvasnovsky’s path to M&D came through Penn State’s alumni network, where she connected with firm principal Frank Dittenhafer. That introduction led to a virtual internship during the summer of 2020, blending remote work with limited on-site visits. The fit was immediate. After graduating, she joined the firm full-time and has now been with M&D for nearly five years.
What drew her to the firm was its range— and its impact. Rather than specializing in a single building type, M&D works across community centers, urban planning, historic renovations, educational facilities, and commercial projects throughout Central Pennsylvania and the Baltimore region. “I love that no two projects are the same,” Harper says. “But more importantly, I love that so many of them are right here—places I pass every day, communities I’m part of.”
As an architectural designer, she serves as the “point person” on projects, coordinating between design vision and real-world execution by aligning structural, civil, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems into a cohesive whole. She is currently progressing through the national licensure process, having completed three of the six required exams to become a licensed architect.
Yet the most rewarding work, she says, is community-centered, especially projects in York. Among the most meaningful is the Crispus Attucks History & Culture Center, a project rooted deeply in local history and shaped through close collaboration with community stakeholders.
“That project was about listening first,” she explains. “It wasn’t just about the building—it was about honoring the story it was meant to hold.”
Other projects Harper worked on include the South George Street Study and the Horn Farm Center, while M&D also played a part in renovations to familiar landmarks like the 1741 Club at WellSpan Park and Marketview Arts.
“When you design something and then watch people actually use it— that’s what makes staying in York special,” she says. “You see your work become part of daily life.”
Outside the office, Kvasnovsky lives in Glen Rock, embraces York County’s trail system, frequents Central Market, and shares her home with her husband and their yellow lab. For Harper Kvasnovsky, staying in York isn’t about standing still. It’s about contributing, investing, and helping shape the future of a place she knows intimately.
“York has history, character, and potential,” she says. “Being able to contribute to that—to help shape where it’s going - means everything.”
By Brendan Salyards | Manager, Economic Initiatives & Analysis
“The community will give back to you if you put in the effort to be part of it.”
Those who are avid Revs fans will recall Corey Thurman’s seven-year run with fond memories. When he was released in 2015, Corey was one of the most decorated players in the York Revolution franchise history. He had arrived in York in 2008, intending to return to the major leagues.
Drafted out of high school in Texarkana, Texas, Corey joined the Kansas City Royals in 1996. He later spent two seasons in the major leagues with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2002 and 2003 before signing with the York Revolution in 2007. At the time, his goal was to work his way back to the majors. Instead, York became something more. By the end of his first season, he had met his wife, Angela, a York County native. The two married in 2009, and Corey went on to build a distinguished career with the Revolution, highlighted by Atlantic League Championships in 2010 and 2011.
“I arrived in York at the right time in my life,” shared Corey. “Had I signed with the Revs at 21 rather than 28, I may have yearned for a larger city, but fate led me to a community where I was able to settle down in the Central School District, where I have the luxury of a large yard and comforts unavailable in a city.”
Having grown up in East Texas and played for teams as far north as Toronto and as far south as Venezuela (where he played Winter baseball on at least two occasions), Corey has come to appreciate Pennsylvania’s four distinct seasons and balanced climate.
He also values York’s convenient location, with larger cities like Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York all within an easy day’s drive. As he puts it, “I wouldn’t trade York for anything.”
Today, Corey runs his own personal training business, which primarily serves baseball and softball players, but is open to a range of sports, including football, volleyball, and golf. He owns his own training facility and trains clients beginning at the age of eight. “Baseball is a game built on failure,” shares Corey. “In no other sport would a 30% average get you in the hall of fame, but it teaches you how to overcome obstacles.”
Since being elected in 2021, Corey has served on the Central York School District Board, a volunteer role he was encouraged to pursue. The position builds naturally on his ongoing commitment to supporting local athletics and youth development. He regularly takes part in charity golf tournaments, often in “Beat the Pros” type of events.
Closer to home, his favorite tradition is trick-or-treating with his children, Ella and Corey Jr., a simple but meaningful way to connect with friends and neighbors. His advice to new residents of York is straightforward: get involved. “The community will give back to you if you put in the effort to be part of it.”
By Sully Pinos | Executive Director, BLOOM Business Empowerment Center
When Jaxi Figueroa first arrived in York, she didn’t just see a city; she saw a canvas of opportunity.
“I realized this was a place where I could actually build something meaningful and make a real impact,” stated Jaxi. That instinct proved right. Today, she owns four businesses in York County, including Level Up Beauty Academy, and shows no signs of slowing down.
What drew Jaxi to York wasn’t chance; it was potential. Coming from a military family and moving frequently, she recognized a growing region with untapped room for development, particularly in the beauty and education industries. But success for Jaxi was never just personal. From the beginning, her goal was bigger than herself. “I didn’t just want to be successful,” she says. “I wanted to create opportunities for others.”
That mission took shape through Level Up Beauty Academy, where students come in searching for direction and leave with licenses, careers, and confidence. “I’ve watched students come in with no direction and leave with careers. That’s powerful to me.”
Building on that vision, she founded the Level Up & Career Creation Foundation, a nonprofit focused on opening doors for young adults through hands-on training, clear career pathways, and access to opportunities in the beauty industry they might not have otherwise discovered.
Now with four businesses rooted across the city and county, Jaxi’s motivation remains deeply anchored in impact and generational change. “I don’t just want to build businesses, I want to build systems that help other people succeed, whether that’s through education, mentorship, or opportunity.” She’s also taken that spirit a step further, actively helping other entrepreneurs launch their own businesses in the area.
A key part of her journey has been her relationship with the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, and access to loan capital from them, which she credits as a strong resource and community connector. “Being able to be in spaces like BLOOM has helped me stay inspired and continue developing both personally and professionally,” she says, noting the value of connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs through BLOOM’s events and network.
When you ask Jaxi directly, “Why York?” — her answer doesn’t hesitate. “To me, York means opportunity, growth, and community. It’s the place where I was able to turn my vision into reality. It’s where I built my businesses, created jobs, and helped people step into new careers. York is more than just where I live — it’s where I’ve been able to make an impact.”
And as York City and York County continue to evolve, Jaxi isn’t just watching. She’s building right here, for the people right here, one level up at a time.
“To me, York means opportunity, growth, and community.”
Three nonprofit leaders share how essential support systems create stronger communities and economic growth.
By David Gonzalez Director, Economic Initiatives & Advocacy
Workforce challenges in York County come down to three key issues: childcare, transportation, and housing. These factors shape whether people can retain employment, support their families, and build economic opportunity. These are challenges noted throughout the York County Economic Action Plan and are echoed across the country.
To better understand these challenges, what’s being done to address them, and to learn more about individuals advancing solutions, we spoke with three local nonprofit leaders, Katie Caples, Laura O’Grady, and Joyce Santiago, who are working every day to strengthen the community.
The Big Three Workforce Challenges
While united in approach, each leader focuses on a distinct issue that directly impacts workforce participation:
“Access to early childhood education is essential infrastructure for a strong community,” Caples explains. Without reliable childcare, families struggle to maintain employment, and businesses face retention challenges. As she notes, “When families can access reliable childcare, businesses retain employees, children thrive, and communities become more resilient.”
KATIE CAPLES, ECHO DIRECTOR Community Connections for Children
“Housing is not simply about buildings—it is about opportunity, dignity, and stability,” Santiago stated. Safe, affordable housing allows individuals and families to focus on employment and long-term success.”
JOYCE SANTIAGO, CEO Affordable Housing Advocates
“Transportation means having a safe, reliable way for people to get to everything they need to truly thrive,” said O’Grady. Without it, access to jobs, healthcare, and education becomes limited, creating barriers that are difficult to overcome.
LAURA O’GRADY, VICE PRESIDENT OF IMPACT & STRATEGY
United Way of York County
Though distinct, these challenges are deeply interconnected. Together, they form the foundation that enables individuals to participate in the workforce fully.
These leaders will tell you partnerships are not optional; they are essential. Each leader points to cross-sector collaboration as the most effective way to create lasting change.
O’Grady captures this mindset: “If you want to go fast, you can go alone—but if you want to go far, you go together.” This shared approach allows organizations to pool resources, align efforts, and tackle challenges that no single entity could solve alone.
What makes each leader’s work especially impactful is the lived experience behind it. Their perspectives are shaped not only by professional roles but by personal connections to the issues.
Caples’ understanding of childcare comes from her experience as a working parent.
O’Grady’s work is informed by direct stories from community members navigating transportation barriers. Santiago brings her own past experience with housing insecurity into her leadership and the realities many in our community continue to face. These experiences ensure that their work remains responsive, practical, and focused on real needs.
These values are deeply influenced by the place each leader calls home. York County plays a central role in shaping not only their work, but their leadership approach.
Caples points to the region’s strong sense of connection and community pride. O’Grady highlights the access to leadership opportunities and professional growth that encouraged her to stay. Santiago describes returning to York and immediately feeling a sense of belonging.
This shared appreciation for York naturally leads to a defining characteristic of the community and one that underpins their work.
Despite the complexity of these challenges, all three leaders remain optimistic. They point to the same strengths: collaboration, community investment, and a shared commitment to progress.
York County’s path forward lies in continuing to align efforts across sectors— expanding childcare access, strengthening transportation systems, and increasing affordable housing options. Through continued partnership and a focus on people, York County is building a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.
To learn more about the York County Economic Action Plan, visit yorkcountyeap.org.
In partnership with the York County Planning Commission, York College of Pennsylvania is proud to expand opportunities to grow the lead abatement workforce in York by offering free Lead Abatement Worker training. Led by Paul Ackerman, Ph.D., P.E., this intensive two-day course covers essential safety and health practices, as well as hands-on techniques to reduce lead hazards and meet PA Department of Labor & Industry (DOLI) regulations.
Join our next session: June 15-16, 2026
Additional courses will be scheduled through December 2026.
By Sarah O’Brien | Director, Downtown Inc
“ Downtown York’s proximity to the Heritage Rail trail and the ongoing Codorus Creek beautification project creatives a powerful framework for investment.”
Kerryn Fulton, PE, CEO
C.S. Davidson
Downtown York is more than a historic city center. As an official York County Trail Town, it sits at the intersection of recreation and revitalization, where trails, public spaces, and entrepreneurial energy are shaping the city’s next chapter.
At the center of this momentum is Downtown Inc’s “Why Downtown York” Downtown Investment Guide (DIG) - a data-driven tool designed to attract developers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Paired with the “Imagine the Possibilities” campaign, these efforts are reshaping how York tells its story and showcases its potential.
The DIG serves as both a roadmap and an invitation. Built over 18 months, it highlights Downtown York’s market strengths, strategic location, and growing consumer base, while positioning the city as a place where historic character meets forwardthinking development.
But what truly sets Downtown York apart is its connection to the region’s expanding trail network.
“Downtown York’s proximity to the Heritage Rail Trail and the ongoing Codorus Creek beautification project creates a powerful framework for investment,” shared Kerryn Fulton, PE, CEO, C.S. Davidson, and presenting sponsor of the York County Trail Towns program. “These assets not only enhance quality of life but also drive economic development by connecting people directly to downtown businesses and experiences.”
Trail users aren’t just passing through. They stop to explore, dine, and stay. By integrating trails with downtown placemaking, from wayfinding to public art and outdoor gathering spaces, the city creates a seamless experience for residents and visitors alike.
This environment is already translating into real results.
Through the Imagine the Possibilities campaign, Downtown Inc has taken a proactive approach to vacancy by marketing available properties with vision, data, and storytelling.
One standout success is the recent relocation of Woof Bar, a specialty dog-themed Pennsylvania Dutch bar concept owned by Corey Wolfe, to 45 W. Market Street - right in the heart of Downtown York.
“ We are excited to be in a place where foot traffic, community energy, and trail connectivity all come together.”
Corey
Wolfe, Owner, Woof Bar
“Being part of the Imagine the Possibilities campaign helped us see what this space and Woof Bar could become,” shared Corey. “The visibility and support made the decision easy. We’re excited to be in a place where foot traffic, community energy, and trail connectivity all come together.”
Woof Bar’s move highlights the impact of strategic marketing and positioning. By showcasing potential—not just space—the campaign helps entrepreneurs envision themselves in Downtown York, while the Downtown
To learn more about the Imagine the Possibilities campaign, visit downtownyorkpa.com/ imagine.
Investment Guide provides the tools to act. After nearly 20 years vacant, the Griffith Smith building finally gained traction when it was featured in the Imagine the Possibilities campaign in November 2025.
As York County expands its Trail Town network, Downtown York shows how trails can drive economic growth. With strong partnerships and tools like the DIG and the Imagine campaign, the city isn’t waiting for opportunity - it’s creating it.
Scan the QR Code to explore the Downtown Investment Guide.
For details, visit DowntownYorkPA.com
Friday, July 3 | 5-9 pm
First Friday presented by WellSpan Health: Fourth of July BBQ Block Party
Downtown York
Friday, August 7 | 5-9 pm
First Friday presented by WellSpan Health: Farmers Fest Block Party
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Friday, September 4 | 5-9 pm
First Friday presented by WellSpan Health: Future Neighbors & Friends Block Party
Downtown York
